Rolling Stones legend is on his way

Watts will be joining ace boogie-woogie piano players Ben Waters and Axel Zwingenberger and additional guest musicians for the gig at the Regis Centre on Monday at 8pm.

More used to playing massive stadia around the world, the Stones' drummer will find himself in much more intimate surroundings.

Rather than Satisfaction, Jumping Jack Flash and Paint It Black, Watts will be spreading his wings to play a set ranging from jazz to boogie woogie and barrelhouse-style blues as they pay tribute to the legacy of past masters including Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis.

Chichester-based music promoter Mark Ringwood said: 'If word spreads, I would think it will sell out.'

It all started last Thursday afternoon when Mr Ringwood had a call from Ben Waters on tour in Finland: 'He said Charlie would like to do some more shows. They had done a couple together.

'Charlie never really knows what is going on long-term. It all has to fit around his Stones commitments. When he gets time off from the Stones, he likes to do his own thing. He got on really well with Ben and Axel, and he said '˜Can you get something together for May 11, 12 and 13?''

A task which fell to Mr Ringwood: 'Fortunately I knew my geography. I knew the venues that might be able to take it.'

The promoter, who can claim to have met Watts some years back at Mick Jagger's birthday party, is delighted at the booking: 'What makes him special is the fact he can do it with the Stones and can also play jazz and boogie woogie.'

Tickets are 20 available from the venue box office on 01243 861010.

Watts will also be playing in Farnham in Surrey on Tuesday and Essex on Wednesday.